Safety system, apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for use with an item of personal protective equipment, where the item of personal protective equipment includes a sensor configured to detect when the personal protective equipment is being worn properly by the user. The apparatus is housed within a hand-held power tool that includes a power circuit. The apparatus includes an electrical isolation device configured to prevent current flow in at least one conductor included in the power circuit; a wireless communication device configured to wirelessly couple to a wireless communication device included in the personal protective equipment. The wireless communication device is configured to receive a wireless signal transmitted from the wireless communication device included the personal protective equipment, the wireless signal providing information concerning whether the user is wearing the item of personal protective equipment properly. The electrical isolation device operates to allow current flow in the at least one conductor when the information provided by the wireless signal indicates that the item of personal protective equipment is being worn properly by the user.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority under35 U.S.C. § 120 to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/856,849 entitled “SYSTEM, APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR EYE PROTECTION,”filed on Dec. 28, 2017, which is a continuation of, and claims priorityunder 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. Pat. No. 9,895,265 entitled “SAFETYAPPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR USE WITH EYE PROTECTION,” filed on Jun. 30,2017, the disclosure of each of the preceding is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 1. Field of Invention

This invention relates generally to apparatus, systems and methods forincreasing the safety of personnel operating tools and equipment. Morespecifically, at least one embodiment, relates to systems, apparatus andmethods providing improved safety for operators of electrically poweredtools and equipment.

2. Discussion of Related Art

More than 800,000 individuals sustain an eye injury annually in U.S.workplaces. Tens or hundreds of thousands of other individuals sustainan eye injury outside of the workplace annually. Workplace eye injuriesalone cost an estimated 300 million dollars in lost productivity,medical treatment and worker's compensation. Frequently, these injuriesresult from the use of power equipment without eye protection, forexample, operation of electrically operated hand tools.

Traditional approaches to eye-safety have developed over time in aneffort to reduce eye injuries. For example, systems have been developedto prevent the operation of certain types of medical equipment unlessoperating personnel are wearing prescribed safety equipment. These andother approaches also employed in industrial settings generally focus ona fixed piece of equipment. Some of these prior approaches arelocation-based and rely on the fact that the equipment that requires theuse of safety equipment will not be moved from the location.

Another approach employs a key lock to lock a switch to the prongs on aplug located at the end of a power cord for a specific piece ofequipment. However, application of the preceding is very limited becauseof the nature of the connection between the lock and a specific type ofplug. In addition, an integrated key lock creates a complex mechanicaldevice. Other approaches are directed to an automatic shutoff based on alack of motion of a piece of equipment. However, these approachesrequire a physical connection to a sensor included in the piece ofelectrically operated equipment or employ a device that is included asan integral part of the power cord of the piece of equipment.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Therefore, there is a need for apparatus and systems that provide anadaptable safety system that is better suited to the dynamics found inmost workplaces. These approaches provide apparatus and systems thatprovide a safety interlock that is not restricted to a specific locationor a specific piece of equipment. Some of these embodiments provide anapproach that is much more universal than conventional approachesbecause the apparatus is designed to secure to the power cords mostcommonly employed with electrical equipment in the workplace and/or byhome hobbyists. According to some further embodiments, a safetyapparatus is configured to a secure to the distal end of an extensioncord that can be employed with any number of electrically operatedpieces of equipment. Further, approaches described herein can allowusers to easily attach and secure the safety apparatus to a power cordusing common hand tools. Where a lockable apparatus is desired,embodiments described herein allow for the use of conventional padlocksrather than the equipment-specific and specially designed hardwarerequired of prior approaches.

According to one aspect, an apparatus assists a user in employing safetyglasses. In various embodiments, the apparatus includes a body housingan electrical isolation device and a wireless communication device.According to one embodiment, the body includes a first end defining afemale electrical socket and a second end defining a male electricalplug. According to a further embodiment, a set of jaws is coupled to thebody and includes an end proximate the body and a distal end configuredto secure to an electrical cord that is electrically coupled to the bodyat one of the first end or the second end. The electrical isolationdevice is located in series between a conductor included in the femaleelectrical socket and a corresponding conductor included in the maleelectrical plug. The wireless communication device is configured toreceive a wireless signal transmitted from the safety glasses, thewireless signal providing information concerning whether the user iswearing the safety glasses. The electrical isolation device isconfigured to prevent current flow between the conductor included in thefemale electrical socket and the corresponding conductor included in themale electrical plug when the safety glasses are not being worn by theuser. The electrical isolation device is configured to complete anelectrical circuit to allow current flow between the conductor includedin the female electrical socket and the corresponding conductor includedin the male electrical plug when the safety glasses are being worn bythe user.

According to another aspect, a safety kit is configured for retail sale.According to various embodiments, the safety kit includes: a packageconfigured for display at a retail point-of-sale location; safetyglasses disposed in the package, the safety glasses including anelectronic system including a sensor configured to detect when thesafety glasses are worn by a user and a Bluetooth communication device;and an apparatus disposed in the package. According to one embodiment,the apparatus includes a body housing an electrical isolation device anda Bluetooth communication device. According to a further embodiment, thebody includes a first end defining a female electrical socket configuredto receive a three prong plug including a line conductor, a neutralconductor and a ground conductor; and a second end defining a maleelectrical plug configured with a line conductor, a neutral conductorand a ground conductor. The apparatus further includes a set of jawscoupled to the body and configured to secure to an electrical cord thatis electrically coupled to the body at one of the first end or thesecond end. The electrical isolation device is located in series betweena line conductor included in the female electrical socket and the lineconductor included in the male electrical plug. The Bluetoothcommunication device included in the body is configured to receive awireless signal transmitted from the Bluetooth communication deviceincluded in the safety glasses, the wireless signal providinginformation concerning whether the user is wearing the safety glasses.The electrical isolation device is configured to prevent current flow inthe line conductor included in the body when the safety glasses are notbeing worn by the user. The electrical isolation device is configured tocomplete an electrical circuit to allow current flow in the lineconductor included in the body when the safety glasses are being worn bythe user.

According to still another aspect, a safety system includes: safetyglasses including an electronic system having a sensor configured todetect when the safety glasses are worn by a user and a wirelesscommunication device; and an apparatus. According to one embodiment, theapparatus includes: a body housing an electrical isolation device and awireless communication device; and a fastening device coupled to thebody. According to a further embodiment, the body includes: a first enddefining a female electrical socket coupled to a line conductor includedin the body, a neutral conductor included in the body and a groundconductor included in the body, the female electrical socket configuredto couple to a three prong plug including a line conductor, a neutralconductor and a ground conductor; and a second end defining a maleelectrical plug coupled to the line conductor included in the body, theneutral conductor included in the body and the ground conductor includedin the body. According to a still further embodiment, the fasteningdevice is configured to move from an open position to a closed positionin which an electrical cord that is electrically coupled to the body atone of the first end or the second end is also physically secured to thebody by the fastening device. The electrical isolation device is locatedin series in the line conductor included the body between the femaleelectrical socket and the male electrical plug. The wirelesscommunication device included in the body is configured to receive awireless signal transmitted from the wireless communication deviceincluded in the safety glasses, the wireless signal providinginformation concerning whether the user is wearing the safety glasses.The electrical isolation device is configured to prevent current flow inthe line conductor included in the body when the safety glasses are notbeing worn by the user. The electrical isolation device is configured tocomplete an electrical circuit to allow current flow in the lineconductor included in the body when the safety glasses are being worn bythe user.

According to yet another aspect, an apparatus is provided for use withan item of personal protective equipment. The item of personalprotective equipment includes a first wireless communication device anda sensor configured to detect when the personal protective equipment isbeing worn properly by the user. The apparatus is configured to behoused within a hand-held power tool that includes a power circuit tosupply electrical power for operation of the hand-held power tool.According to some embodiments, the apparatus includes an electricalisolation device configured to prevent current flow in at least oneconductor included in the power circuit, a second wireless communicationdevice configured to wirelessly couple to the first wirelesscommunication device. The second wireless communication device isconfigured to receive a wireless signal transmitted from the firstwireless communication device, the wireless signal providing informationconcerning whether the user is wearing the item of personal protectiveequipment properly. The electrical isolation device operates to allowcurrent flow in the at least one conductor when the information providedby the wireless signal indicates that the item of personal protectiveequipment is being worn properly by the user.

According to a still further aspect, a safety system is provided for auser employing each of eye protection hardware including a firstwireless communication device and a first power cord including a maleplug and a second power cord including a female socket. According tovarious embodiments, the system includes a first component configured tosecure to a respective one of the first power cord and the second powercord and a second component. According to one embodiment, the secondcomponent includes a longitudinal axis, at least one line conductor, anelectrical isolation device configured to prevent current flow in the atleast one line conductor, a second wireless communication deviceconfigured to wirelessly couple to the first wireless communicationdevice, a body housing the electrical isolation device and the secondwireless communication device and a fastening device coupled to thebody. According to a further embodiment, the body includes a first enddefining a female electrical socket coupled to the at least one lineconductor included in the body, the female electrical socket configuredto electrically couple to the first power cord, a second end defining amale electrical plug coupled to the at least one line conductor, themale electrical plug included in the body configured to electricallycouple to the second power cord; and a distal end selected from one ofthe first end and the second end. In one embodiment, the fasteningdevice includes a distal end. In various embodiments, the fasteningdevice configured to move in a direction parallel to the longitudinalaxis from a first position to a second position in which the distal endof the fastening device extends beyond the distal end of the body toreceive the respective one of the first power cord and the second powercord and properly align the fastening device to secure the firstcomponent to the second component. According to these embodiments, thesecond wireless communication device is configured to receive a wirelesssignal transmitted from the first wireless communication device, thewireless signal providing information concerning whether the user iswearing the safety glasses. The electrical isolation device isconfigured to allow current flow in the at least one line conductor whenthe information provided by the wireless signal indicates that thesafety glasses are being worn by the user.

In still another aspect, an apparatus is configured for use with a firstpower cord, a second power cord and safety glasses including a firstwireless communication device. In various embodiments, the apparatusincludes at least one line conductor, an electrical isolation deviceconfigured to prevent current flow in the at least one line conductor, asecond wireless communication device configured to wirelessly couple tothe first wireless communication device, a body housing the electricalisolation device and the second wireless communication device and acollar. According to one embodiment, the body includes a longitudinalaxis, a first end defining a female electrical socket coupled to the atleast one line conductor, the female electrical socket configured toelectrically couple to the first power cord, a second end defining amale electrical plug coupled to the at least one line conductor, themale electrical plug configured to electrically couple to the secondpower cord and a distal end selected from one of the first end and thesecond end. According to some embodiments, the collar is configured tomove in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis while coupled tothe body. The collar includes an interior wall that defines a hollowregion sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the bodytherein. Further, the collar configured to secure to one of the femaleelectrical socket and the male electrical plug with the respective oneof first power cord and the second power cord electrically coupled tothe distal end of the body and the collar at least partially extendedfrom the body in a direction of the distal end. According to theseembodiments, the second wireless communication device is configured toreceive a wireless signal transmitted from the first wirelesscommunication device, the wireless signal providing informationconcerning whether the user is wearing the safety glasses. Theelectrical isolation device is configured to allow current flow in theat least one line conductor when the information provided by thewireless signal indicates that the safety glasses are being worn by theuser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In thedrawings, each identical or nearly identical component that isillustrated in various figures is represented by a like numeral. Forpurposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in everydrawing. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a safety device in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a safety system including the safety device of FIG. 1in accordance with one embodiment;

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate different views of the safety device of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate different views of a safety device according toanother embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates an electronic system in accordance with oneembodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates a safety kit in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates a safety system in accordance with anotherembodiment;

FIG. 8 illustrates a safety system in accordance with yet anotherembodiment;

FIG. 9 illustrates a safety system in accordance with still anotherembodiment;

FIG. 10 illustrates a system including a network operating environmentfor safety systems in accordance with one embodiment;

FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate a first component of a safety system inaccordance with another embodiment;

FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate a second component of the safety system inaccordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 11A-11C;

FIGS. 13A-13B illustrate the safety system including the componentsillustrated in FIGS. 11A-11C and 12A-12C in accordance with oneembodiment;

FIGS. 14A-14C illustrate a first component of a safety system inaccordance with yet another embodiment;

FIGS. 15A-15C illustrate a second component of the safety system inaccordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 14A-14C; and

FIGS. 16A-16B illustrate the safety system including the componentsillustrated in FIGS. 14A-14C and 15A-15C in accordance with oneembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This invention is not limited in its application to the details ofconstruction and the arrangement of components set forth in thefollowing description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention iscapable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carriedout in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology used hereinis for the purpose of description and should not be regarded aslimiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,”“containing”, “involving”, and variations thereof herein, is meant toencompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well asadditional items.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a safety device 100 is illustrated inaccordance with one embodiment. The safety device 100 includes a body102, a fastening device 104, a first face 106, a female socket 108located in the first face, a male plug 110 and a user interface 112.FIG. 1 also illustrates an extension cord 130 including a cord 132 and afemale socket 134 located at the distal end of the extension cord 130.In addition, FIG. 1 illustrates a power cord 140 including a male plug136 and a cord 138. The power cord 140 can be included in anelectrically operated hand tool 142, for example, a circular saw 142A, adrill 142B, a router 142C and a grinder 142D. One of ordinary skill inthe art in view of the disclosure provided herein will recognize thepreceding list is non-exhaustive. Thus, while the illustrated embodimentshows a mix of conventional power tools, other hand tools can beemployed with the safety device 100, for example, electrically-operatedlawn mowers, hedge trimmers, weed whackers and vacuums to name a few.Further, the electrically-operated equipment can be fixed in place, forexample, bench-mounted tools or equipment such as a drill press.

As is described in greater detail below, the safety device 100 includesan electronic system in the body 102 that allows the device 100 tocommunicate with a pair of safety glasses. In general, the electronicsystem includes an electrical isolation device to maintain an opencircuit in one or more line conductors included in the body 102 toprevent operation of equipment (for example, the power tool 142) pluggedinto the device 102 unless the electronic systems receives informationcommunicated from the safety glasses that indicates the safety glassesare being worn properly.

In various embodiments, the conductors located in the body 102 connectthe conductors included in the female socket 108 with the correspondingconductors included in the male plug 110. For example, in a single phasedevice, the line conductor included in the male plug 110 is connected tothe line conductor in the female socket 108, the neutral conductorincluded in the male plug 110 is connected to the neutral conductor inthe female socket 108 and the ground conductor included in the male plug110 is connected to the ground conductor included in the femalereceptacle 108.

In various embodiments, the body 102 is manufactured from a materialhaving electrical insulating properties sufficient to maintainelectrical isolation between the conductors located in the body 102.Further, the materials of construction of the body 102 safely insulatethe conductors from a user who takes hold of the body 102. In furtherembodiments, the required electrical insulation rating is determinedbased on the voltage rating of the device, for example, 120 VAC, 240VAC, etc.

The fastening device 104 allows the safety device 100 to receive thecord 140 of the power tool 142 and securely attach the cord 140 to thedevice 100 with the cord 140 plugged into the female socket 108 locatedin the face 106. The male plug 110 is an integral part of the safetydevice 100 and is configured to plug into the distal end of theextension cord 130. According to the illustrated embodiment, thefastening device 104 includes a fastener 116, a first wall 118 and asecond wall 119. In the illustrated embodiment, the first wall 118 andthe second wall 119, respectively, are hingedly attached to the body 102such that they are moved apart to place the fastening device 104 in anopen position. To place the fastening device 104 in the closed position,the first wall 118 and the second wall 119 are moved together to placethe respective distal ends of walls 118, 119 adjacent to one another.According to the illustrated embodiment, the respective distal ends ofwalls 118, 119 are secured to one another by the fastener 116. Accordingto the illustrated embodiment, the fastener 116 includes two screws. Asis described in greater detail below, other fastening structure can beused alone or in combination with a mechanical fastener.

The user interface 112 can vary depending on the embodiment. Accordingto the illustrated embodiment, the user interface 112 provides twoindicating lamps, for example, a red indicating lamp and a greenindicating lamp (e.g., LEDs). In one embodiment, the red indicating lampprovides a status indication concerning the state of the electricalisolation device and the green indicating lamp provides an indication ofwhether the safety device 100 is connected to an active source ofelectricity. According to this embodiment, the green indicating lamp ison when the safety device 100 is connected to an active (i.e.,“energized”) electrical circuit, for example, with the extension cord130 connected and plugged into an energized source of electricity. Thered indicating lamp is on with the electrical isolation device is closedas a result of the proper use of the safety glasses associated with thedevice 100. In another embodiment, the red lamp can indicate that theelectrical isolation device is in a first state that prevents currentflow between the male plug 110 to the female socket 108. The green lampcan indicate that the electronic system has placed the electricalisolation device in a second state to permit current flow between themale plug 110 to the female socket 108. In one embodiment, the change ofstate is a result of feedback from the safety glasses concerning whetherthe safety glasses are being worn properly.

The user interface can include different elements either alone or incombination with indicating lamps depending on the embodiment. Thus, theuser interface 112 can include one or more switches or pushbuttons, forexample, to allow a user to turn the electronic system included in thesafety device “on” or to activate a wireless communication systemincluded in the safety device 100. The user interface 112 can alsoinclude additional or different indicating lamps. In one embodiment, theuser interface 112 includes an indicating lamp that identifies when thewireless communication system included in the safety device 100 is incommunication with a wireless communication system included in thesafety glasses. For example, the indicating lamp can turn on when thecommunications systems of the safety device and the safety glasses are“paired” for communication with one another. According to still anotherembodiment, the user interface includes a speaker to provide an audiooutput that can provide feedback to the user regarding the operatingstatus of the safety system including the safety device 100 and/or thestatus one or more features included in the device 100.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a safety system 200 including the safety device100 with a pair of safety glasses 150 is illustrated in an embodiment inwhich the device 100 and glasses 150 are configured to wirelesslycommunicate with one another. According to the illustrated embodiment,the safety glasses 150 include an electronic apparatus 152. As isdescribed in greater detail herein, the electronic apparatus 152 caninclude one or more sensors to detect whether the safety glasses arebeing worn properly. FIG. 2 illustrates the user interface 112 and anelectrical isolation device 114. Other elements of the electronic systemincluded the body are described below with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 2also illustrates a first hinge 120, a second hinge 121 and a face 109which is included in the body. According to this embodiment, the maleplug 110 extends from the face 109.

According to some embodiments, the first wall 118 and the second wall119 are hingedly connected to the body 102 on opposite sides of the bodyfrom one another. The first wall 118 is attached to the body at thefirst hinge 120 while the second wall 119 is attached to the body at thesecond hinge 121. According to other embodiments, only a single hingecan be employed where, for example, only one wall of the fasteningdevice pivots while a second wall remains substantially fixed in place.In this embodiment, a position of the single movable wall is adjusted tomove the fastening device between the open position and the closedposition. According to still another embodiment, hinges are not employedin any of the walls of the fastening device. According to thisembodiment, the shape and materials of construction of the fasteningdevice provide a natural resiliency that allows the fastening device tobe moved between the open position and the closed position bydeformation of the walls. This resiliency causes the distal ends of thewalls of the fastening device to “spring” apart from one another whenthe fastener 116 releases the respective distal ends of the walls fromengagement with one another. Further, while FIG. 2 illustrates aconfiguration in which the first wall 118 and the second wall 119 areattached to opposing sides of the body, other relative orientations ofthe two walls 118, 119 can be employed provided that they allow thepower cord 140 to be secured to the safety device 100 by the fasteningdevice 104.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the safety device 100 isconnected to each of the extension cord 130 and the power cord 140. Themale plug 110 is connected to the distal end of the extension cord 130such that the face 109 meets a corresponding face of the extension cord.The power cord 140 is received in a cavity formed in the fasteningdevice 104 when the fastening device is placed in the closed position.In particular, the male plug 136 is received in the cavity and the cord138 extends from the cavity via an opening located at the distal end ofthe fastening device 104.

According to various embodiments, the electronic apparatus 152 detects astatus of the safety glasses to determine whether the safety glasses arebeing worn properly. For example, the electronic apparatus 152 caninclude one or more switches, biometric sensors and/or inertial sensorsused alone, in combination with one another or in combination with otherdevices to determine whether the safety glasses are being worn properly.

In operation, the safety system 200 ensures that a user is properlywearing the safety glasses 150 before the isolation device 114 is placedin a state in which the female socket 108 is energized such that theequipment connected by the power cord 140 can be operated. For example,where a proximate end of the extension cord 130 is plugged into anenergized wall outlet and the male plug 110 is plugged into the socketlocated at a distal end of the extension cord 130 electricity is presentat the safety device 100. If the safety glasses 150 are not being worn,the safety device 100 receives a signal from the electronic apparatus152 indicating that the glasses 150 are not being worn. Based on thatinformation, the safety device 100 is placed in a first state in whichthe isolation device 114 maintains the female socket 108 in ade-energized state, for example, by preventing current flow from themale plug 110 to the female socket 108. When the safety glasses 150 arebeing worn, the electronic apparatus 152 wirelessly communicates theupdated status to the safety device 100. In response, the safety device100 is placed in a second state in which the isolation device operatesto allow current flow from the male plug 110 to the female socket 108thereby energizing the female socket 108. As a result, the equipmentconnected to the power cord 140 can now be operated by the user.

Referring now to FIG. 3A, the safety device 100 is illustrated inaccordance with various embodiments. According to this embodiment, thefastening device 104 is located to securely attach to the power cord ofa piece of electrically operated equipment. As mentioned above, theelectrically operated equipment can include portable equipment that isfreely moved about by a user (for example, an electrically-operated handdrill) or a fixed piece of equipment (for example, a drill press). Inthe illustrated embodiment, the fastening device 104 includes the firstside wall 118 and the second side wall 119 in an arrangement in whichthey are pivotably attached to the body 102 and operate like a set ofjaws to move between the open position and the closed position in whichthe power cord is secured to the body 102.

Details concerning the female socket 108 are also illustrated in FIG.3A. In the illustrated embodiment, the female socket 108 includes aline-conductor socket 108A, a neutral-conductor socket 108B and aground-conductor socket 108C. Each of these sockets is connected to acorresponding prong included in the male plug 110. According to theillustrated embodiment, the male plug 110 includes a line conductor111A, a neutral conductor 111B and a ground conductor 111C. In thepreceding arrangement, the line-conductor socket 108A is connected tothe line conductor 111A, the neutral-conductor socket 108B is connectedto the neutral conductor 111B and the ground-conductor socket 108C isconnected to the ground conductor 111C. According to a furtherembodiment, the isolation device (for example, the isolation device 114illustrated in FIG. 2) is connected in series within the body betweenthe line-conductor socket 108A and the line conductor 111A.

Referring now to FIG. 3B, a top view of the safety device 100 and thepower cord 140 are illustrated with the device 100 and the power cord140 located in positions adjacent to one another. The power cord 140includes a face 141 located at a distal end of the plug 136. A set ofconductors 139 extends from the face 141. The set of conductors 139includes a line conductor, a neutral conductor and a ground conductorarranged in a conventional layout that allows the socket 108 to receivethe conductors 139. The plug 136 includes dimensions including a widthW1 and a length L1. The cord 138 includes an outside diameter OD1.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B, the fastening device 104includes a first distal end 123 located at a distal end of the firstwall 118. The fastening device 104 also includes a second distal end 124located at a distal end of the second wall 119. A first proximate end125 is located at a proximate end of the first wall 118. A secondproximate end 126 is located at a proximate end of the second wall 119.FIG. 3B illustrates the fastening device in the closed position in whichthe first wall 118 and the second wall 119 are pivoted together suchthat the first distal end 123 and the second distal end 124 are locatedadjacent to one another. According to some embodiments, the first distalend 124 and the second distal end 125 are in contact with one anotherwith the fastening device 104 in the closed position.

Although embodiments illustrated herein show the use of a mechanicalfastener (for example, the fastener 116), other fastening structure canbe provided to secure the first distal end 123 to the second distal end124 according to alternate embodiments. For example, a latch can beintegrally formed as a feature of the first distal end 123 and thesecond distal end 124. According to this embodiment, the latch cansecurely fasten the respective distal ends 123, 124 to one another whenthe fastening device 104 is moved to the closed position. Where thefastening device 104 is formed of a plastic material, for example,injection molded, one or more elements of the latch can be molded intothe first distal end 123 with corresponding features molded into thesecond distal end 124 to provide a snap-fit closure. In otherembodiments, the fastening device 104 can include a fastening element onone of the distal ends 118, 119 that moves into engagement by loopingthat fastening element over the other distal end.

According to some embodiments, the fastening device 104 can include afeature that provides a suitable structure to attach a padlock thatprevents the fastening device from being opened when the padlock issecured to the attachment structure. For example the first distal end123 can include a first opening designed to receive a shackle of apadlock and the second distal end 124 can include a second openingdesigned to receive the shackle. According to one embodiment, the firstopening and the second opening can extend in a direction perpendicularto a longitudinal axis of the safety device 100. In operation, thedistal ends 123, 124 are moved proximate to one another such that thetwo openings are aligned. The shackle is then slid through the twoopenings and the padlocked is closed to lock it. The precedingeffectively secures the first wall 118 to the second wall 119 and placesthe fastening device in the closed position. The power cord 140 can beeffectively locked to the safety device 100 in this embodiment. In otherembodiments illustrated herein, conventional hand tools can be employedto secure the fastening device in the closed position.

According to the illustrated embodiment, a cavity 115 is formed in acentral region of the fastening device 104. The cavity 115 has a widthW2 and a length L2. The width W2 is an interior dimension measuredbetween the first wall 118 and the second wall 119 with the fasteningdevice 104 in the closed position. The length L2 is an interiordimension measured between the face 106 and distal ends 123, 124 withthe fastening device 104 in the closed position.

Referring now to FIG. 3C, further details of the fastening device 104are illustrated in a rear view provided in the direction in which thepower cord 140 is plugged into the safety device 100. FIG. 3Cillustrates the fastening device in the closed position. According tothis embodiment, an opening 122 is formed between the first distal end123 and the second distal end 124 with the fastening device 104 closed.The opening includes an inside diameter ID1 located to capture the cord138 in the opening when the fastening device 104 is closed.

Each of the cavity 115 and the opening 122 are sized and configured toallow the fastening device 104 to receive the power cord 140 and fastenthe power cord 140 to the safety device 100 when the power cord isplugged into the female socket 108. For example, the width W2 of thecavity 115 is sized relative to the width W1 of the plug 136 to allowthe cavity 115 to receive the plug 136 while still allowing thefastening device 104 to close and fasten to the power cord 140.Similarly, the length L2 of the cavity 115 is sized relative to thelength L1 of the plug 136 to allow the cavity 115 to receive the plug136 and allow the fastening device 104 to close thereby allowing thefastening device 104 to secure the safety device 100 the power cord 140.In addition to the preceding, a shape of the cavity 115 is also selectedto accommodate the plug 136 within the fastening device 104 with thefastening device in the closed position. For example, in the illustratedembodiment, the first wall 118 and the second wall 119 each include ataper that brings the two walls together at the distal end. In oneembodiment, the taper of the two walls 118, 119 is shaped to conform tothe taper found at a transition from the plug 136 to the cord 138 of thepower cord 140.

The ID1 of the opening 122 is sized to allow the cord 138 included inthe power cord 140 to extend outside the cavity 115. According to theillustrated embodiment, the ID1 of the opening 122 is sized slightlylarger than the OD1 of the cord 138. A proper sizing of the ID1 of theopening 122 relative to the OD1 of the cord 138 also allows the firstdistal end 123 and the second distal end 124 to meet properly to securethe two ends together with the fastening device 104 in the closedposition.

To provide wide adaptability, the dimensions (W2, L2) and shape of thecavity 115 can be provided based on the dimensions and shapes of thepower cords found in certain types of equipment (for example, vacuums)or the dimensions and shapes of power cords found in a particular brandof power tool. Electrically-operated hand tools are generally operatedusing 120 VAC circuits rated at 15 or 20 Amps. The conductor size andinsulation ratings of the power cords are standardized based on theoperating voltage and current ratings of the power source and the powerrequirements of the tool. Consequently, the ID1 of the opening 122 canbe sized and adapted to receive a cord having an OD most often employedamong common hand tools.

In operation, the fastening device 104 is placed in the open position byspreading the first wall 118 apart from the second wall 119, forexample, as shown in FIG. 1. The power cord 140 is then positioned toalign the set of conductors 139 with the female socket 108 and the powercord 140 is plugged into the safety device 100 to bring the face 106into contact with the face 141. The first wall 118 and the second wall119 are then moved together to bring the first distal end 123 intocontact with the second distal end 124. With the first distal end 118attached to the second distal end 119 the plug 136 is secured within thecavity 115 and the cord 138 extends through the opening 122.

While the illustrated embodiment, shows that the top and bottom of thecavity 115 are open other approaches can be used. For example, the firstwall 118 and the second wall 119 can each wrap 180 degrees around thecavity 115. According to this embodiment, an internal diameter providedby the cavity is sized to receive ad fully enclose the plug 136 when itis plugged in the female socket 108 and the fastening device 104 is inthe closed position.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate another embodiment of a safety device 400. Adifference between the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C and theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C is that the fastening device ofthe safety device 400 is oriented and configured to fasten to the distalend of the extension cord 130. In many other respects, the features ofthe safety device 400 are similar to those found in the safety device100. As a result, some of the features and functionality common to eachembodiment are not repeated in full in the following description.

The safety device 400 includes a body 402, a fastening device 404, afirst face 406 and a second face 409. A female socket is located in thefirst face 406. The body 402 includes a second face 409 located at anend of the body opposite the first face 406. A male plug 410 extendsfrom the second face 409. The fastening device 404 includes a first wall418 including a distal end 423 and a proximate end 425. The fasteningdevice 404 also includes a second wall 419 including a distal end 424and a proximate end 426. The proximate end 425 of the first wall 418 iscoupled to the body 402 at a first hinge 420. The proximate end 426 ofthe second wall 419 is coupled to the body 402 at a second hinge 421.The distal end 423 includes first fastening structure 444. The distalend 424 includes second fastening structure 446. In the illustratedembodiment, the fastening device includes a pair of fasteners 416, forexample, screws or bolts. According to this embodiment, the firstfastening structure 444 includes a pair of threaded holes sized andconfigured to receive the pair of fasteners 416 in a threadedengagement. Further, the second fastening structure 446 includesunthreaded holes sized and configured to allow the pair of fasteners 416to slide through the holes. According to alternate embodiments, otherfastening structure can be used as described above concerning the safetydevice 100, for example, snaps or clips integral to the walls 418, 419,or additional hardware to assist in maintaining the fastening device inthe closed position. Conductors internal to the body 402 connect theconductors located in the female socket (not illustrated) to theconductors located in the male plug 410.

Referring now to FIG. 4B, a top view of the safety device 400 and theextension cord 130 are illustrated with the device 400 and the extensioncord 130 located in positions adjacent to one another. The extensioncord 130 includes a face 131 located at a distal end of the cord 130.The conductors included in the extension cord 130 are accessible in theface 131 of the female socket 134. For example, the female socket 134can include a line conductor, a neutral conductor and a ground conductorarranged in a conventional layout that allows the socket 134 to receiveconductors provided by the male plug 410. The female socket 130 includesdimensions including a width W3 and a length L3. The cord 132 includesan outside diameter OD2.

According to the illustrated embodiment, a cavity 415 is formed in acentral region of the fastening device 404. The cavity 415 has a widthW4 and a length L4. The width W4 is an interior dimension measuredbetween the first wall 418 and the second wall 419 with the fasteningdevice 404 in the closed position. The length L4 is an interiordimension measured between the face 406 and distal ends 423, 424 withthe fastening device 404 in the closed position.

Referring now to FIG. 4C, further details of the fastening device 404are illustrated in a rear view provided in the direction in which thesafety device 100 is plugged into the extension cord 130. FIG. 4Cillustrates the safety device 400 with the fastening device 404 in theclosed position. According to this embodiment, an opening 422 is formedbetween the first distal end 423 and the second distal end 424 with thefastening device 404 closed. The opening 422 includes an inside diameterID2 located to capture the cord 132 in the opening when the fasteningdevice 404 is closed.

Each of the cavity 415 and the opening 422 are sized and configured toallow the fastening device 404 to receive the extension cord 130 andfasten the extension cord 130 to the safety device 400 when the safetydevice 400 is plugged into the female socket 134. For example, the widthW4 of the cavity 115 is sized relative to the width W3 of the femalesocket 134 to allow the cavity 415 to receive the socket 134 while stillallowing the fastening device 404 to close and fasten to the extensioncord 130. Similarly, the length L4 of the cavity 415 is sized relativeto the length L3 of the female socket 134 to allow the cavity 415 toreceive the socket 134 and allow the fastening device 404 to closethereby allowing the fastening device 404 to secure the safety device400 the extension cord 130. In addition to the preceding, a shape of thecavity 415 is also selected to accommodate the socket 134 within thefastening device 404 with the fastening device in the closed position.For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first wall 418 and thesecond wall 419 each include a taper that brings the two walls togetherat the respective distal ends. In one embodiment, the taper of the twowalls 418, 419 is shaped to conform to the taper found at a transitionfrom the socket 134 to the cord 132 of the extension cord 130.

The ID2 of the opening 122 is sized to allow the cord 132 included inthe extension cord 130 to extend outside the cavity 415. According tothe illustrated embodiment, the ID2 of the opening 422 is sized slightlylarger than the OD2 of the cord 132. A proper sizing of the ID2 of theopening 422 relative to the OD2 of the cord 132 also allows the firstdistal end 423 and the second distal end 424 to meet properly to securethe two ends together with the fastening device 404 in the closedposition.

To provide wide adaptability, the dimensions (W4, L4) and shape of thecavity 415 can be provided based on the dimensions and shapes of themost widely available extension cords, for example, 20 Amp, 120 VACextension cord carried at one or more box stores found nationally. Theconductor size and insulation ratings of the extension cords arestandardized based on the operating voltage and current ratings of thepower circuits typically found in home, and at commercial and industrialsites. This standardization allows the ID2 of the opening 122 to besized and adapted to receive a cord having an outside diameter mostoften found among common extension cords.

In operation, the fastening device 404 is placed in the open position byspreading the first wall 418 apart from the second wall 419. Theextension cord 130 is then positioned to align the female socket 134with male plug 410 and the safety device 400 is plugged into the femalesocket 134 to bring the face 409 into contact with the face 131. Thefirst wall 418 and the second wall 419 are then moved together to bringthe first distal end 423 into contact with the second distal end 424.With the first distal end 418 attached to the second distal end 419 thefemale socket 134 is secured within the cavity 415 and the cord 132extends through the opening 422.

One advantage to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C is that thesafety device 400 can provide a universal approach suitable to any of awide variety of extension cords. Once attached to the distal end of theextension cord 130, the safety device 400 is easily moved about a jobsite as a part of the extension cord 130. Because the safety device 400becomes a functional part of the extension cord 130 once attached, thedevice 400 can be employed with any electrically-powered piece ofequipment that is being plugged into the extension cord 130. That is,the safety device 400 does not become tied up with a single piece ofequipment. Instead, so long as the safety device remains secured to thefemale plug 134, the safety device 400 is automatically employed witheach new piece of equipment that is plugged into the extension cord 130.

In addition, the attachment of the safety device 400 at the distal endof the extension cord 130 also places the device 400 in close proximityto the user. This helps insure that the safety device 400 is in closeproximity to the safety glasses 150. The close proximity assists thecontinuity of the wireless communication between the safety device 400and the safety glasses 150. The preceding is especially advantageouswhen compared with an alternative safety device that is located at theproximate end of the extension cord 130 and/or at the socket where thecord 130 is plugged-in.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an electronic system 500 is illustrated inaccordance with some embodiments. The electronic system 500 includes afirst electronic apparatus 551 configured for inclusion in the safetydevice 100, 400 and a second electronic apparatus 552 configured forinclusion in the safety glasses 150. For example, the first electronicapparatus can be located in the body 102, 402 of safety device with thesecond electronic apparatus 552 included as a part of the safety glasses150. In general, the electronic system 500 provides for: sensing of astatus of the safety glasses (for example, whether they are being wornproperly); operation of an isolation device to maintain an electricaloutput in an off state unless the glasses are being worn properly; andwireless communication between the first electronic apparatus 551 andthe second electronic apparatus 552. As described herein, additional oralternate features and functionality of the electronic system 500 canvary depending on the embodiment.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the first electronic apparatus551 includes a user interface 512, an isolation device 514, a powersystem 553, a processor 554, a memory 555 and a communication module556. The second electronic apparatus 552 includes a sensor 558, a powersystem 560, a processor 562, a user interface 564 and a communicationmodule 566. Each of the first electronic apparatus 551 and the secondelectronic apparatus 552 include respective power circuits (notillustrated). For example, the components included in the firstelectronic apparatus 551 can be coupled to the power system 553 by oneor more power buses or lines. The power buses are employed to deliverthe necessary power to the various illustrated components and to othercomponents included in the device depending on the embodiment. Thecomponents included in the second electronic apparatus 552 can becoupled to the power system 560 in a similar fashion.

Each of the first electronic apparatus 551 and the second electronicapparatus 552 also include respective communication circuits (notillustrated). For example, the components included in the firstelectronic apparatus 551 can be coupled by one or more communicationbuses or signal lines. The communication buses can be used for thecommunication of instructions/commands and data between the illustratedcomponents and between the illustrated components and other componentsincluded in the device depending on the embodiment. The componentsincluded in the second electronic apparatus 552 can be coupled by one ormore communication buses or signal lines included in the apparatus 552in a similar fashion.

In some embodiments, the isolation device 514 operates in the mannerdescribed above concerning the isolation device 114. For example,depending on the embodiment, the isolation device 514 can operate toopen and close one or more conductors included in the body 102, 402.When open, the isolation device prevents current flow between the femalesocket 108, 408 and the male plug 110, 410 included in the safety device100, 400. The isolation device closes when the safety device 100, 400receives a signal that indicates the safety glasses 150 are being wornproperly. The isolation device 514 can be implemented using any of avariety of technologies depending on the embodiment and provided thatthe isolation device is rated for the operating voltage and currentrequired for a particular application, for example, a 120 VAC, 20 Ampcircuit. According to one embodiment, the isolation device 514 includesa mechanical switch including contacts that make and break the conductorin which the device 514 is installed. According to an alternateembodiment, the isolation device 514 includes an electronic switch thatoperates to block current flow, for example, when the isolation device514 is in the off state.

The communication module 556 can also be implemented using any of avariety of technologies depending on the embodiment provided that themodule 556 supports wireless communication with the second electronicapparatus 552. For example, the communication module 556 can employ oneof either RF communication or optical communication in differentembodiments. According to one embodiment, a Bluetooth™ protocol isemployed by the communication module 556. Such a protocol or a similartechnology is well suited to the wireless communication employed by thesystem 500 because the first electronic apparatus 551 and the secondelectronic apparatus 552 are typically separated by a small distance andthe amount of data transmitted between the two devices is typically notlarge. According to one embodiment, a Bluetooth™ protocol is implementedwith an automatic pairing of the first electronic apparatus 551 and thesecond electronic apparatus 552. For example, the automatic pairing canbe completed independent of any action by the user other than turning oneither or both of the first electronic apparatus 551 and the secondelectronic apparatus 552. The preceding approach is advantageous in aretail setting where, for example, a system (for example, the system200) including each of the safety device 100, 400 and the safety glasses150 can be packaged and sold together to an end consumer. Once thesystem is purchased, the user need only remove the system from thepackaging and turn on the system to use the safety device. The approachis also advantageous in situations where multiple users are located onthe same job site because it helps ensure that the user and theirassociated safety device 100, 400 are in communication with theassociated pair of safety glasses.

According to various embodiments, the communication module 556 includesone or more of a USB port or other hardware serial communication incombination with the capability to employ one or more wirelesscommunication protocols such as an optical communication protocol, aBluetooth™ communication protocol or a Wi-Fi communication protocol. Inone embodiment, the communication module 556 provides for wirelesscommunication between the first electronic apparatus 551 and an externaldevice such as a tablet computer or mobile phone.

In various embodiments, the power system 553 is employed to provideoperating power for the safety device 100, 400. For example, operatingpower can be provided for operating one or more of the componentsincluded in the first electronic apparatus 551 such as the isolationdevice 514, the processor 554, and the communication module 556 as someexamples. The power system 553 can include any of a power source, powerconversion circuitry and power conditioning circuitry. In someembodiments, the power system 553 includes a battery power source, forexample, one or more coin cell batteries, alkaline batteries or lithiumbatteries. According to another embodiment, the power system 553 isemployed to convert power provided from a line conductor included in thebody 102, 402. In either approach, power conversion circuitry can beincluded to convert the power provided from the power source to anominal voltage and/or current required by the components included inthe first electronic apparatus 551.

Depending on the embodiment, the processor 554 and the memory areincluded in a microcontroller. According to another embodiment, theprocessor 554 is included in the microcontroller along with memory 555including either or both of RAM and ROM. In a further embodiment, thememory 555 also includes memory external to microcontroller. In otherembodiments, the processor can be included in a microprocessor.According to one embodiment, the first electronic apparatus 551 includesone or more integrated circuits.

The user interface 512 can vary depending on the embodiment as describedabove concerning the user interface 112 illustrated in FIG. 1. Forexample, the user interface 512 can include one or more indicatinglamps, switches or pushbuttons or audio speakers. In one embodiment, theuser interface includes a display, for example, an LCD display that candisplay the state/status of the various features and functionalityincluded in the safety device 100, 500 in which the first electronicapparatus 551 is installed.

The sensor 558 included in the second electronic apparatus 552 canemploy different types of technology depending on the embodiment. Invarious embodiments, a pressure sensitive switch is included in thesensor 558 to sense contact between the users head, face or nose whenthe safety glasses are being worn by the user. According to oneembodiment, a mechanical switch is employed. According to anotherembodiment, a piezoelectric switch is employed. According otherembodiments, the sensor 558 includes a physiological-monitoring sensor.For example, the sensor 558 can employ a capacitive sensor to determinewhether the safety glasses are in contact with the skin of the user. Apulse or skin temperature sensor can be used in other embodiments.Further, the sensor 558 can include a single sensor, multiple sensors ofthe same type or multiple different-types of sensors depending on theembodiment. According to further embodiments, the sensor 558 can includeone or more inertial sensors. For example, the sensor 558 can includeone or more accelerometers employed to detect an orientation and/orrelative motion of the safety glasses 550. In one embodiment, the sensor558 includes a multi-axis accelerometer to determine the orientation ofthe safety glasses relative to the orientation of the user.

The communication module 566 included in the second electronic apparatus552 can also be implemented using any of a variety of technologiesdepending on the embodiment provided that the module 566 supportswireless communication with the first electronic apparatus 551. Forexample, the communication module 566 can employ one of either RFcommunication or optical communication in different embodiments.According to one embodiment, a Bluetooth™ protocol is employed by thecommunication module 566. As mentioned above concerning thecommunication module included in the first electronic apparatus 551,automatic pairing can be employed in some embodiments to improve theuser's experience and better ensure that the safety device 100, 400 iseffectively employed.

The user interface 564 can vary depending on the embodiment. Forexample, the user interface 564 can include one or more indicatinglamps, switches or pushbuttons or audio speakers. Due to the sizeconstraints of the second electronic apparatus 552, the scale andfunctionality of the user interface 564 may be more limited than thatfound in the user interface 512 included in the first electronicapparatus 551. According to one embodiment, the second electronicapparatus 552 does not include the user interface 564. According toanother embodiment, the user interface 564 only includes one or moreindicating lamps, for example, to provide the user with informationconcerning whether the wireless communication module 566 is operational.

In various embodiments, the power system 560 is employed to provideoperating power for the second electronic apparatus 552. For example,operating power can be provided for operating one or more of thecomponents included in the second electronic apparatus 552 such as theprocessor 554, and the communication module 556 as two examples. Thepower system 560 can include any of a power source, power conversioncircuitry and power conditioning circuitry. In some embodiments, thepower system 560 includes a battery power source, for example, one ormore coin cell batteries, alkaline batteries or lithium batteries.According to some embodiments, power conversion circuitry can beincluded to convert the power provided from the power source to anominal voltage and/or current required by the components included inthe second electronic apparatus 552. According to one embodiment, thesecond electronic apparatus 552 is a passive device (for example, apassive RFID device) that does not include the power source 560.

Depending on the embodiment, the processor 562 can be a standalonecomponent (for example, a microprocessor) or included in amicrocontroller. According to either embodiment, the second electronicapparatus 552 can include memory, for example, RAM, ROM or a combinationof both RAM and ROM.

According to various embodiments, the second electronic apparatus 552 isprovided in a form factor that is small enough to allow the apparatus552 to be integrated into the safety glasses 150 without interferingwith their use. For example, users often have a negative view ofpersonal protective equipment (glasses, gloves, respirators, etc.)because they can increase the difficulty in completing a task. Thus, thesecond electronic apparatus 552 must be small enough to avoid a negativeimpact on the perceived comfort and utility of the safety glasses 150 inwhich the second electronic apparatus 552 is employed. The size andfunctionality of the components included in the second electronicapparatus 552 can be selected with the preceding in mind to maintain thesmall profile and form factor required of the apparatus 552. Further,although the second electronic apparatus 552 is illustrated as a singleelement including different components (i.e., the sensor 558, theprocessor 562, etc.), one or more of the identified components or othercomponents included in the second electronic apparatus 552 can belocated at a first region of the safety glasses 150 while anothercomponent or components included in the second electronic apparatus 552can be located at a second region of the safety glasses 150.

Safety glasses can sometimes be damaged during normal use such that theyhave to replaced. According to one embodiment, the second electronicapparatus 552 is detachable from the safety glasses 150 either in wholeor part. For example, the second electronic apparatus 552 can befastened to a first pair of safety glasses in a manner that allows thesecond electronic apparatus 552 to be removed and re-fastened to asecond pair of safety glasses if the first pair of safety glassesbecomes unusable.

According to some embodiments, the system 500 includes an RFID systemwhere, for example, the first electronic device 551 interrogates thesecond electronic device 552 to determine the status of a particularpair of safety glasses, i.e., whether the glasses are being wornproperly. According to one embodiment, the second electronic apparatus552 is a battery assisted RFID tag. In one alternate embodiment, thesecond electronic apparatus 552 is a semi-active RFID tag. In stillanother alternate embodiment, the second electronic apparatus 552 is anactive RFID tag.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a safety kit 670 is illustrated in accordancewith one embodiment. The safety kit 670 includes a product package 672,a safety device 600, and safety glasses 650. According to theillustrated embodiment, a first electronic system 651 is included in thesafety device 600 and a second electronic system 652 is included as apart of the safety glasses 650. In the illustrated embodiment, each ofthe safety device 600 and the safety glasses 650 are enclosed in thepackage 672.

According to some embodiments, the product package 672 is configured fordisplay at a point of sale location, for example, for display on a rackor shelf viewed by shoppers in a retail store. In one embodiment, all ora portion of the product package 672 is transparent. Transparentpackaging allows the shoppers to easily view the safety items includedin the package to quickly ascertain the nature of the contents includedtherein. For example, with the safety device 600 and the safety glasses652 visible to individuals passing by the display, shoppers will readilyunderstand that the combination provides an eye-safety solution incombination with an electrical isolation device. Although FIG. 6illustrates the product package 672 in the form of a blister pack otherforms of packaging can be used depending on the embodiment. According toone embodiment, the safety device 600 and the safety glasses 652 arepackaged in cardboard packaging including a transparent window.According to another embodiment, the safety device 600 and the safetyglasses 652 are packaged in non-rigid transparent packaging, forexample, a plastic bag. According to still another embodiment, thesafety device 600 and the safety glasses 652 are packaged in the productpackage 672 and are not visible without opening the package 672.

According to various embodiments, the first electronic apparatus 651includes components, features and functionality as described for thevarious embodiments of the first electronic apparatus 551 illustrated inFIG. 5. Further, depending on the embodiment, the second electronicapparatus 552 can include components, features and functionality asdescribed for the various embodiments of the second electronic apparatus552 illustrated in FIG. 5. In general, the safety device 600 and safetyglasses 650 operate to maintain electrical isolation of equipmentplugged into the safety device 600 until the safety glasses 650 arebeing worn properly by the user.

Depending on the embodiment, the safety device 600 can provide anapparatus that is configured to secure to the distal end of a cordemployed with electrically-operated equipment, (for example, the safetydevice 100) or at the distal end an extension cord (for example, thesafety device 400). Various embodiments can provide a “universal”solution where a cavity (for example, one of the cavities 115, 415) andan opening (for example, one of the openings 122, 422) are sized andadapted to allow the safety device 650 to be employed with the mostcommon range of physical sizes and electrical ratings of cords employedwith utilization equipment and extension cords, respectively. Accordingto these embodiments, the safety device can be easily secured to a firstpiece of equipment while that piece of equipment is being used and thenremoved and attached to the power cord of a second piece of equipmentwhen the second piece of equipment is being used.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a safety system 776 is illustrated inaccordance with one embodiment. The safety system 776 includes a safetydevice 700, safety glasses 750 and an extension cord 730 including apower cord 732, a distal end 734 and a proximate end 735. The safetydevice 700 includes a body 702 that houses a user interface 712 and anisolation device 714. The safety glasses 750 include an electronicapparatus 752. In general, the safety device 700 and safety glasses 750operate to maintain electrical isolation between equipment plugged intothe distal end of the safety cord 734 and the proximate end 735 of thesafety cord until the safety glasses 750 are being worn properly by theuser.

In various embodiments, the safety device 700 is included as an integralpart of the extension cord 730, for example, an integral part of anotherwise conventional extension cord. According to some embodiments,the user interface 712 and isolation device 714 are included in anelectronic apparatus that includes components, features andfunctionality as described for the various embodiments of the firstelectronic apparatus 551 illustrated in FIG. 5. Further, depending onthe embodiment, the electronic apparatus 752 can include components,features and functionality as described for the various embodiments ofthe second electronic apparatus 552 illustrated in FIG. 5.

Because the safety device 700 is an integral component of the extensioncord 730, the safety device 700 is automatically employed with any pieceof electrically-operated equipment that is powered by the extension cord730. In addition, it is impractical for a user operating equipment usingthe extension cord 730 to remove the safety device 700 from the cord732. Thus, the safety device 700 goes wherever the extension cord 730 isused.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a safety system 877 is illustrated inaccordance with one embodiment. The safety system 877 includes a safetydevice 800, safety glasses 850 and battery-operated equipment 843including a battery pack 845. The battery pack 845 includes terminals848 that are connected to an electric motor included in thebattery-operated equipment 843. In some embodiments, the battery pack845 is a removable battery pack. The safety glasses 850 include anelectronic apparatus 852. In general, the safety device 800 and safetyglasses 850 operate to maintain electrical isolation between at leastone conductor included in the output of the battery pack 845 and acorresponding input connection to the electric motor until the safetyglasses 850 are being worn properly by the user.

The battery-operated equipment 843 can include hand-held power tools,for example, a jig saw 843A, a sander 843B, a reciprocating saw 843C anda nail gun 843D. One of ordinary skill in the art in view of thedisclosure provided herein will recognize the preceding list isnon-exhaustive. Thus, while the illustrated embodiment shows a mix ofconventional cordless equipment, other cordless equipment can beemployed with the safety device 800, for example, staple guns and drillsto name two.

In various embodiments, the safety device 800 is included as an integralpart of the battery pack 845. According to some embodiments, the safetydevice 800 is an electronic apparatus that includes components, featuresand functionality as described for the various embodiments of the firstelectronic apparatus 551 illustrated in FIG. 5. For example, the safetydevice 800 can include an isolation device and a user interface.Further, depending on the embodiment, the electronic apparatus 852 caninclude components, features and functionality as described for thevarious embodiments of the second electronic apparatus 552 illustratedin FIG. 5.

According to one embodiment, the battery pack 845 is removed from thebattery-operated equipment for recharging via the terminals 848. Forexample, the battery pack 845 can be placed in a charging station inwhich the terminals 848 are connected to a source of charging power.Typically, safety glasses are not required for the charging operation.In this embodiment, the isolation device included in the safety device800 can be temporarily placed in a closed-state to permit current flowfrom the terminals 848 to the battery included in the battery pack 845during charging. In one embodiment, the safety device 800 includes amechanically operated switch that the user moves from a first positionin which a user must be properly wearing safety glasses to close theisolation device to a second position in which the isolation device isplaced in a closed position regardless of whether the associated pair ofsafety glasses 850 is worn by the user. According to one embodiment, theswitch is inaccessible unless the battery pack 845 is removed from thebattery-operated equipment 843. Further, the switch and the housing forthe battery pack 845 provided by the battery-operated device can beconfigured such that it creates a mechanical interference that preventsthe battery pack 845 from being reinstalled in the battery-operatedequipment 843 unless the switch is located in the first position.According to some embodiments, the safety device 800 automaticallychanges state to permit current flow for charging when the battery packis removed from the battery operated equipment 843.

Embodiments of the safety device 800 can be advantageously employed toretrofit battery operated equipment 843 that is provided with aconventional battery pack as originally shipped from the manufacturer.According to these embodiments, a battery pack 845 including the safetydevice 800 is configured to directly replace the conventional batterypack. The removable nature of the original power source (i.e., thebattery pack) allows the retrofit of the battery operated equipment 843in a ready manner. According to one embodiment, a retrofit battery packequipped with the safety device 800 is packaged with one or more itemsof personal protective equipment for sale of the items together with theretrofit battery pack. These systems can be seamlessly deployed togetherin the field with the safety device 800 and corresponding electronicapparatus 852 paired for immediate use. Thus, worksite safety can beimproved at a significant cost savings because there is no need toreplace the battery operated equipment itself.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a safety system 978 is illustrated inaccordance with one embodiment. The safety system 978 includes a safetydevice 900, safety glasses 950 and equipment powered by a combustionengine 947. The equipment powered by the combustion engine 947 includesa spark plug wire 980. The safety glasses 950 include an electronicapparatus 952. In general, the safety device 900 and safety glasses 950operate to maintain electrical isolation in the spark plug wire untilthe safety glasses 950 are being worn properly by the user. According tothe illustrated embodiment, the safety device 900 includes a body 902that houses a user interface 912 and an isolation device 914.

The equipment powered by the combustion engine 947 can include, forexample, a weed whacker 947A, a chain saw 947B, a hedge trimmer 947C anda log splitter 947D. One of ordinary skill in the art in view of thedisclosure provided herein will recognize the preceding list isnon-exhaustive. Thus, while the illustrated embodiment shows a mix ofequipment 947, other equipment powered by a combustion engine can beemployed with the safety device 900 such as lawn mowers and snow blowersas two examples.

In various embodiments, the safety device 900 is included as an integralpart of the spark plug wire 980. According to some embodiments, thesafety device 900 is an electronic apparatus that includes components,features and functionality as described for the various embodiments ofthe first electronic apparatus 551 illustrated in FIG. 5. Further,depending on the embodiment, the electronic apparatus 952 can includecomponents, features and functionality as described for the variousembodiments of the second electronic apparatus 552 illustrated in FIG.5.

FIG. 10 illustrates a system 1000 including a network operatingenvironment employed with one or more safety systems. According to theillustrated embodiment, the system 1000 includes a first safety system1082, a second safety system 1083. a network 1084, a first mobile device1086, a second mobile device 1087, an application server 1088, anadditional user device 1089, and services 1090, for example, servicesand/or resources remotely accessible by the devices 1086, 1087 and 1089for use in monitoring and controlling various operations provided by thesystem 1000. In the illustrated embodiment, the services 1090 includeuser management 1092, end user settings 1094, worksite safety 1095,enterprise customer access 1097, data analytics 1096 and one or moredatabases 1098. The services 1090 and resources are described in moredetail herein. As should be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the artin view of the disclosure provided herein, the services 1090 can includeother services and/or resources and combinations of services and/orresources depending upon the embodiment.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the first safety system 1082includes a first safety device 1100 and safety glasses 1150 including anelectronic apparatus 1152. Further, the second safety system 1083includes a second safety device 1200 and safety glasses 1250 includingan electronic apparatus 1252. Depending on the embodiment, the safetysystems 1082, 1083 can operate in a manner as shown and described withreference to any of the preceding embodiments. For example, the safetydevices 1100, 1200 can include components, features and functionality asdescribed for the various embodiments of the safety devices 100, 400 andthe safety systems 1300, 1600 as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, 13 and 16,respectively. For example, the safety systems 1082, 1083 can operate asshown and described with reference to the safety system 200 illustratedin FIG. 2. The safety devices 1100, 1200 include respective electricalisolation devices to maintain an open circuit in one or more lineconductors included in the safety device 1100, 1200 to prevent operationof equipment plugged into the device 1100, 1200 unless the electronicsystems receives information communicated from the corresponding pair ofsafety glasses 1150, 1250, respectively, that indicates the safetyglasses are being worn properly.

In one embodiment, the first safety device 1100 is associated with afirst user and the second safety device is associated with a seconduser. In one further embodiment, the first user and the second user arelocated at a single geographic location, for example, at a job site suchas a construction site a commercial or industrial facility, a trade showor other location at which a plurality of electrically operated toolsand equipment are employed in a dynamic setting. According to thisembodiment, the first safety device 1100 is in wireless communicationwith the safety glasses and the second safety device 1200 is in wirelesscommunication with the safety glasses 1250.

The system 1000 also allows wireless communication between a safetydevice, for example, safety devices 1100 1200, and a mobile device of auser. According to the illustrated embodiment, the first safety device1100 is in wireless communication with the first mobile device 1086 andthe second safety device 1200 is in wireless communication with thesecond mobile device 1087. According to these embodiments, the wirelesscommunication can assist parties responsible for workplace safety (forexample, employers, property owners, etc.) to remotely monitor theoperation and use of the safety systems 1082, 1083. According to oneembodiment, Bluetooth™ wireless communication is employed in thecommunication between the safety device 1100, 1200 and the correspondingmobile device 1086, 1087, respectively.

In various embodiments, the services 1090 are employed by one or more ofthe end users of the safety systems 1082, 1083 and enterprise customers,for example, insurers, employers and property owners. The usermanagement services 1092 can be employed by end users to create a useraccount. The end user settings 1094 can be used by the end users toactivate location based-features and modify other settings associatedwith the user by the system 1000. The worksite safety services 1095 canbe employed by enterprise customers to remotely monitor the deploymentand use of the safety systems 1082, 1083 in the field, for example, atremote job sites. In addition, the worksite safety services 1095 can beemployed by enterprise customers to establish workplace safety rulesrelated to the use of the safety systems 1082, 1083. In someembodiments, the workplace safety module, via communication with the enduser's mobile device 1086, 1087 can be employed to send notifications toimprove worksite safety, for example, in response to data receivedconcerning use of the safety systems 1082, 1083. The data analyticsservice 1096 can be employed to provide enterprise customers withinformation to evaluate job-site safety based, at least in part, on theoperation of the safety devices 1082, 1083.

According to one embodiment, statistical data concerning the quantity ofsafety systems employed, the percentage of on-site personnel employingsafety systems and the like is stored in the one or more databases 1098where it is accessed by insurers, employers and/or property owners. In afurther embodiment, an API is made available to allow registered thirdparties to access the statistical data.

According to some embodiments, the one or more databases 1098 store useridentification information (for example, user IDs and passwords),operational data concerning a history of use of one or more safetydevices 1082, 1083, and worksite safety data. Depending on theembodiment, the database 1098 can include any of a relational database,object-oriented database, unstructured database, or other database.Further, the database 1098 can be included in any aspect of a memorysystem, such as in RAM, ROM or disc, and may also be separately storedon one or more dedicated data servers included in the services 1090.

In general, the network 1084 can include either or both of local-areanetworks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), wireless communication,wired communication and may include the Internet. According to a furtherembodiment, the network 1084 provides access “over-the-cloud” to one ormore remote devices, servers, application resource management and/ordata storage systems. For example, the network 1084 can allowcommunication between any of the first mobile device 1086, the secondmobile device 1087, and the other user devices 1089 with one anotherand/or with any of the other resources and devices coupled to thenetwork 1084. Communication can occur using any of Wi-Fi networks,Bluetooth™ communication, cellular networks, satellite communication,and peer-to-peer networks available either alone or in combination withone another via the network 1084. Other communication protocols andtopologies can also be implemented in accordance with variousembodiments.

According to various embodiments, the mobile devices 1086, 1087 and theother user devices 1089 can be, for example any of a portable devicesuch as a tablet computer, a hand-held computer, a personal digitalassistant, a cellular telephone, a smart phone and/or other processingdevices. In one embodiment, the other user devices 1089 include adesktop computer or other device having limited or no mobility butsuitable for communicating with other devices, systems and/or resourcesconnected via the network 1084.

Referring now to FIGS. 11A-11C, a safety device 1101 is illustrated inaccordance with one embodiment. In a various embodiments, the safetydevice 1101 can include an electronic apparatus, for example, the firstelectronic apparatus 551 illustrated in FIG. 5 for use in combinationwith an electronic apparatus included in the safety glasses, other eyesafety hardware or other personal protective equipment, for example, thesecond electronic apparatus 552 also illustrated in FIG. 5. In general,the safety device 1101 operates an integral isolation device to maintainan electrical output in an off state unless the associated personalprotective equipment is being worn properly.

As illustrated in FIG. 11A, the safety device 1101 includes a body 1102,a fastening device 1104 and a face 1106 in which a female electricalsocket 1108 is located. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 1101also includes a user interface 1112. The fastening device includes atleast a part of a fastening system to allow the safety device 1101 to besecured to another component of an overall safety system that employsthe safety device 1101 with a second component to secure the system to apower cord. According to some embodiments, the fastening device 1104includes a hole 1129 employed in the fastening system. According to oneembodiment, the fastening system includes a mechanical fastener 1116,for example, a screw. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, the hole1129 is configured to receive a mechanical fastener 1116.

In various embodiments, the fastening device 1104 is configured to moveforward and backward while attached to the body 1102 in a directionparallel to a longitudinal axis of the body 1102, for example, asindicated by the arrow A. In some embodiments, the fastening device 1104is also free to rotate about the longitudinal axis, for example, free torotate 360 degrees about the longitudinal axis while coupled to the body1102.

In FIG. 11A the fastening device 1104 is illustrated in a position inwhich it is moved rearward in the direction of the face 1106. In FIG.11B, a distal end 1126 and a proximate end 1128 included in thefastening device 1104 are identified. As illustrated in FIG. 11B, thefastening device 1104 is moved in a distal direction such that amajority of the fastening device extends away from the body 1102. InFIG. 11C, a distal end 1105 and a proximate end 1107 included in thebody 1102 are illustrated.

In various embodiments, the user interface 1112 can include features andfunctionality as described with reference to the user interface 112included in the safety device 100. For example, the user interface 1112includes a first indicating light 1113 and a second indicating light1114. In one embodiment, the first indicating light 1113 provides anindication of whether the safety device 1101 is connected to anenergized source of electricity and the second indicating light 1114provides a status indication concerning the state of the electricalisolation device, that is, whether the isolation device is open orclosed.

A cross-sectional view of the safety device 1101 is illustrated in FIG.11C. In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the body 1102includes an outer surface 1118 and a face 1109 from which a male plug1110 extends. The fastening device 1104 includes an overall cylindricalshape including an inner wall 1119 that defines a hollow region 1120configured to receive at least a part of the body 1102 within it. Thehollow region 1120 includes a diameter 1121 and a length 1122.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening device includes two holeslocated 180 degrees opposite one another in the vicinity of the distalend 1126 of the fastening device 1104. In FIG. 11C, the holes (forexample, including the hole 1129) are located a distance 1123 from thedistal end 1126 of the fastening device. A fastener (for example, thefastener 1116) is located in each hole such that it extends radiallyinward.

Further according to the illustrated embodiment, the body 1102 includesa first abutment 1125 located at the distal end 1105 of the body. Thefastening device 1104 includes a second abutment 1127 located at theproximate end 1128 of the fastening device 1104. In one embodiment, thefirst abutment 1125 is raised above the outer surface 1118 for 360degrees around the body 1104. Similarly, the second abutment 1127projects radially inward from the inner wall 1119 for a full 360 degreesaround the inner wall. The preceding is advantageous where the fasteningdevice 1104 is free to rotate about the body 1102. According to anotherembodiment, a longitudinal channel can be provided in the outer surface1118 to receive a projection extending radially inward from the innerwall 1119. According to this embodiment, the fastening device 1104 doesnot rotate about the body 1102. As a result, the first abutment 1125 andthe second abutment 1127 can be located at one or more discretelocations on the outer surface 1118 and the inner wall 1119,respectively.

In operation, the fastening device 1104 is free to move forward and backrelative to the body 1102 as shown by the arrow A in FIG. 11A. Forexample, the fastening device 1104 can be moved in a distal directionparallel to a longitudinal axis of the body 1102 until the secondabutment 1127 makes contact with the first abutment 1125.

Further, in some embodiments the body includes one or more additionalabutments extending from the outer surface 1118 located at or near theproximate end 1107 of the body 1102. According to these embodiments, theadditional abutment(s) limit the travel of the fastening device 1104 ina direction of the proximate end 1107 of the body 1102. That is, thefastening device 1104 is moved in the direction of the proximate end1107 until the second abutment 1127 makes contact with the additionalabutment. The preceding approach can assist in preventing the fasteningdevice 1104 from being uncoupled from the body 1102.

In contrast to the safety systems described with reference to FIGS. 1-6,the safety device 1101 is employed with a second component used tosecure the safety device 1101 to a power cord. Referring now to FIGS.12A-12C, a clamp 1130 is illustrated in accordance with one embodiment.As is described in greater detail below, the clamp 1130 is secured to apower cord and the safety device 1101 is fastened to the clamp with thesafety device 1101 electrically coupled to the power cord. According tothis embodiment, the clamp 1130 includes a first half 1132 and a secondhalf 1134. The first half 1132 includes a first hole 1140 employed incombination with one or more elements (for example, a mechanicalfastener) included in the safety device 1101 to provide a fasteningsystem that secures the fastening device 1104 to the clamp 1130. Thesecond half 1134 can include a second hole (not illustrated) thatprovides similar functionality.

According to various embodiments, the clamp 1130 includes one or morefasteners employed to secure the first half 1132 to the second half1134. For example, a mechanical fastener 1136 is included in theillustrated embodiment. According to this embodiment, each of the firsthalf 1132 and the second half 1134 include a hole (for example, the hole1138) to receive the fastener 1136. In the illustrated embodiment, twoholes are employed where, for example, the first half 1132 includes asmooth sided hole and the second half 1134 includes a threaded hole1138A, 1138B.

Referring now to FIG. 12B, the clamp 1130 is illustrated in an assembledstate with the first half 1132 and the second half 1134 moved togetheras indicated by the arrow B in FIG. 12A. As illustrated in FIG. 12B, thefirst half 1132 includes a proximate end 1142 and a distal end 1144.Similarly, the second half 1134 includes a proximate end 1146 and adistal end 1148. According to the illustrated embodiment, the two halves1132, 1134 are secured together by threading multiple fasteners (forexample, the mechanical fasteners 1136A, 1136B) into correspondingthreaded holes (1138A, 1138B) included in the second half 1134. Theclamp 1130 includes an outer surface 1149 formed with the clamp 1130fully assembled.

In operation, the clamp 1130 is secured around a female socket locatedat a distal end of a power cord. When assembled, the clamp 1130 providesa cavity sized and configured to receive the female socket within it. Across-sectional view of the assembled clamp 1130 is illustrated in FIG.12C. In the illustrated embodiment, the clamp includes a first cavity1154 and a second cavity 1160. The second cavity 1160 includes adiameter 1161 and a length 1162. According to this embodiment, a powercord is received in the first cavity 1154 and a female socket located atthe distal end of the power cord is received in the second cavity 1160.

Referring now to FIGS. 13A and 13B, a safety system 1300 including thesafety device 1101 and the clamp 1130 is illustrated. According to thisembodiment, the safety system 1300 is employed in combination with anextension cord 1163 and an electrical cord 1166 for anelectrically-operated device. The extension cord 1163 includes a powercord 1164 and a female socket 1165. The electrical cord 1166 includes apower cord 1168 and a male plug 1170. In FIG. 13A, a portion of the body1102 located within the fastening device 1104 is shown in phantom. InFIG. 13B, the fastening device is illustrated in cross-section and theprongs of the male plugs are illustrated in phantom where they arereceived within a respective one of the female sockets.

FIG. 13A, illustrates the two halves 1132, 1134 being separated from oneanother as shown by the arrow B to allow them to be placed around thefemale socket 1165 and distal end of the power cord 1164. FIG. 13Billustrates the clamp 1130 secured to the extension cord 1163. In thisembodiment, the female socket 1165 is sandwiched between the halves1132, 1134 of the clamp 1130 and the face at which the female socket isplugged into remains accessible at the distal end of the second cavity1160.

FIG. 13B illustrates the electrical cord 1166 plugged into the proximateend 1107 of the body 1102. The male plug 1110 included in the safetydevice 1101 is plugged into the female socket 1165 included in theextension cord 1163. In FIG. 13B, the fastening device 1104 is extendedfrom the body 1102 is a direction of a distal end of the body. In thisconfiguration, the clamp 1130 is received within the hollow region 1120provided by the fastening device 1104.

FIG. 13B also illustrates an embodiment in which the safety device 1101can be fastened to the clamp 1130. According to the illustratedembodiment, a fastening system is employed including two mechanicalfasteners 1116. Each of the fasteners 1116 is inserted through a hole(for example, the hole 1129) in the fastening device 1104 and thenthreaded into a corresponding hole (for example, the hole 1140) includedin the clamp 1130. The mechanical attachment of the safety device 1101to the extension cord 1163 can improve safety by ensuring that thesafety device 1101 cannot be detached from the extension cord 1163without the use of tools.

Different approaches for attaching the safety device 1101 to the clamp1130 are employed in other embodiments. For example, the mechanicalfasteners 1116 can be replaced by a pushbutton release. According to aversion of this embodiment, the clamp includes a spring loadedpushbutton that is biased in a radially outward direction such that adistal end of the button extends above the outer surface 1149 of theclamp 1130. The fastening device 1104 can include a hole (for example,the hole 1129) located such that the distal end of the pushbutton can bereceived within it when the fastening device 1104 is extended from thebody to receive the clamp 1130 within the hollow region 1120. Theattachment is released by depressing the distal end of the pushbuttonsuch that the fastening device 1104 can be withdrawn from the clamp bymoving the fastening device in a direction of the proximate end of thebody 1102.

In yet another embodiment, the safety device 1101 is threaded onto theclamp 1130. According to this embodiment, the interior wall 1119 of thefastening device 1104 includes a set of threads. The outer surface 1149of the clamp includes a corresponding set of threads. The body 1102 canbe plugged into extension cord 1163. The fastening device 1104 is movedin a distal direction such that the threads included on the interiorwall 1119 engage the threads included on the outer surface 1149. Thefastening device 1104 is rotated about the longitudinal axis of thesafety device 1101 to thread the safety device 1101 to the clamp 1130.To detach the safety device 1101 from the clamp 1130, the precedingprocess is revered.

Referring now to FIGS. 14A-14C, a safety device 1401 is illustrated inaccordance with another embodiment. The safety device 1401 includes abody 1402 and a fastening device 1404 coupled to the body. In general,the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14A-14C includes the samefunctionality as illustrated and described with reference to FIG.11A-11C. However, in contrast to the safety device 1101 illustrated inFIGS. 11A-11C, the safety device 1401 is secured to a male plug ratherthan a female receptacle. That is, the fastening device 1404 isconfigured to attach to the male plug employed in a circuit thatprovides power to a piece of electrically operated equipment.

In a various embodiments, the safety device 1401 can include anelectronic apparatus, for example, the first electronic apparatus 551illustrated in FIG. 5 for use in combination with an electronicapparatus included in the safety glasses, other eye safety hardware orother personal protective equipment, for example, the second electronicapparatus 552 also illustrated in FIG. 5. In general, the safety device1401 operates an integral isolation device to maintain an electricaloutput in an off state unless the associated personal protectiveequipment is being worn properly.

As illustrated in FIG. 14A, the body 1402 includes a face 1409 in whicha male plug 1410 is located. In the illustrated embodiment, the body1401 also includes a user interface 1412. The fastening device includesat least a part of a fastening system to allow the safety device 1401 tobe secured to another component of an overall safety system that employsthe safety device 1401 with a second component to secure the system to apower cord. According to some embodiments, the fastening device 1404includes a hole 1429 employed in the fastening system. According to oneembodiment, the fastening system includes a mechanical fastener 1416,for example, a screw. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, the hole1429 is configured to receive a mechanical fastener 1416.

In various embodiments, the fastening device 1404 is configured to moveforward and backward while attached to the body 1402 in a directionparallel to a longitudinal axis of the body 1402, for example, asindicated by the arrow C. In some embodiments, the fastening device 1404is also free to rotate about the longitudinal axis, for example, free torotate 360 degrees about the longitudinal axis while coupled to the body1402.

In FIG. 14A the fastening device 1404 is illustrated in a position inwhich it is moved rearward in the direction of the face 1409. In FIG.14B, a distal end 1426 and a proximate end 1428 included in thefastening device 1404 are identified. In FIG. 14B, the fastening device1404 is moved in a distal direction such that a majority of thefastening device extends away from the body 1402. In FIG. 14C, a distalend 1405 and a proximate end 1407 included in the body 1402 areillustrated. According to the illustrated embodiment, a user interface1412 is located at the proximate end 1407 of the body 1402. The userinterface 1412 can include features and functionality as described withreference to the user interface 112 included in the safety device 100.

A cross-sectional view of the safety device 1401 is illustrated in FIG.14C. In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the body 1402includes an outer surface 1418 and a face 1409 from which a male plug1410 extends. The fastening device 1404 includes an overall cylindricalshape including an inner wall 1419 that defines a hollow region 1420configured to receive at least a part of the body 1402 within it. Thehollow region 1420 includes a diameter 1421 and a length 1422.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening device includes two holeslocated 180 degrees opposite one another in the vicinity of the distalend 1426 of the fastening device 1404. In FIG. 14C, the holes (forexample, including the hole 1429) are located a distance 1423 from thedistal end 1426 of the fastening device. A fastener (for example, thefastener 1416) is located in each hole such that it extends radiallyinward.

Further according to the illustrated embodiment, the body 1402 includesa first abutment 1425 located at the distal end 1405 of the body. Thefastening device 1404 includes a second abutment 1427 located at theproximate end 1428 of the fastening device 1404. In one embodiment, thefirst abutment 1425 is raised above the outer surface 1418 for 360degrees around the body 1404. Similarly, the second abutment 1427projects radially inward from the inner wall 1419 for a full 360 degreesaround the inner wall. The preceding is advantageous where the fasteningdevice 1404 is free to rotate about the body 1402. According to anotherembodiment, a longitudinal channel can be provided in the outer surface1418 to receive a projection extending radially inward from the innerwall 1419. According to this embodiment, the fastening device 1404 doesnot rotate about the body 1402. As a result, the first abutment 1425 andthe second abutment 1427 can be located at one or more discretelocations on the outer surface 1418 and the inner wall 1419,respectively.

In operation, the fastening device 1404 is free to move forward and backrelative to the body 1402 as shown by the arrow A in FIG. 14A. Forexample, the fastening device 1404 can be moved in a distal directionparallel to a longitudinal axis of the body 1402 until the secondabutment 1427 makes contact with the first abutment 1425.

Further, in some embodiments the body includes one or more additionalabutments extending from the outer surface 1418 located at or near theproximate end 1407 of the body 1402. According to these embodiments, theadditional abutment(s) limit the travel of the fastening device 1404 ina direction of the proximate end 1407 of the body 1402. That is, thefastening device 1404 is moved in the direction of the proximate end1407 until the second abutment 1427 makes contact with the additionalabutment. The preceding approach can assist in preventing the fasteningdevice 1404 from being uncoupled from the body 1402.

Referring now to FIGS. 15A-15C, a clamp 1530 is illustrated inaccordance with one embodiment. As is described in greater detail below,the clamp 1530 is secured to a power cord and the safety device 1401 isfastened to the clamp with the safety device 1401 electrically coupledto the power cord. According to this embodiment, the clamp 1530 includesa first half 1532 and a second half 1534. The first half 1532 includes afirst hole 1540 employed in combination with one or more elements (forexample, a mechanical fastener) included in the safety device 1401 toprovide a fastening system that secures the fastening device 1404 to theclamp 1530. The second half 1534 can include a second hole (notillustrated) that provides similar functionality.

According to various embodiments, the clamp 1530 includes one or morefasteners employed to secure the first half 1532 to the second half1534. For example, a mechanical fastener 1536 is included in theillustrated embodiment. According to this embodiment, each of the firsthalf 1532 and the second half 1534 include a hole (for example, the hole1538) to receive the fastener 1536. In the illustrated embodiment, twoholes and two fasteners are employed where, for example, the first half1532 includes a smooth sided hole and the second half 1534 includes athreaded hole 1538A, 1538B.

Referring now to FIG. 15B, the clamp 1530 is illustrated in an assembledstate with the first half 1532 and the second half 1534 moved togetheras indicated by the arrow D in FIG. 15A. As illustrated in FIG. 15B, thefirst half 1532 includes a proximate end 1542 and a distal end 1544.Similarly, the second half 1534 includes a proximate end 1546 and adistal end 1548. According to the illustrated embodiment, the two halves1532, 1534 are secured together by threading multiple fasteners (forexample, the mechanical fasteners 1536A, 1536B) into correspondingthreaded holes (1538A, 1538B) included in the second half 1534. Theclamp 1530 includes an outer surface 1549 formed with the clamp 1530fully assembled.

In operation, the clamp 1530 is secured around a female socket locatedat a distal end of a power cord. When assembled, the clamp 1530 providesa cavity sized and configured to receive the female socket within it. Across-sectional view of the assembled clamp 1530 is illustrated in FIG.15C. In the illustrated embodiment, the clamp includes a first cavity1554 and a second cavity 1560. The second cavity 1560 includes adiameter 1561 and a length 1562. According to this embodiment, a powercord is received in the first cavity 1554 and a female socket located atthe distal end of the power cord is received in the second cavity 1560.

Referring now to FIGS. 16A and 16B, a safety system 1600 including thesafety device 1401 and the clamp 1530 is illustrated. According to thisembodiment, the safety system 1600 is employed in combination with theextension cord 1163 and the electrical cord 1166 for anelectrically-operated device. The extension cord 1163 includes the powercord 1164 and the female socket 1165. The electrical cord 1166 includesthe power cord 1168 and the male plug 1170. In FIG. 16A, a portion ofthe body 1402 located within the fastening device 1404 is shown inphantom. In FIG. 16B, the fastening device is illustrated incross-section and the prongs of the male plugs are illustrated inphantom where they are received within the respective female sockets.

FIG. 16A, illustrates the two halves 1532, 1534 being separated from oneanother as shown by the arrow B to allow them to be placed around themale plug 1170 and distal end of the power cord 1168. FIG. 16Billustrates the clamp 1530 secured to the electrical cord 1166. In thisembodiment, the male plug 1170 is sandwiched between the halves 1532,1534 of the clamp 1530 and the face at which the male plug is locatedremains accessible at the distal end of the second cavity 1560.

FIG. 16B illustrates the electrical cord 1166 plugged into the distalend 1405 of the body 1402. The male plug 1410 included in the safetydevice 1401 is plugged into the female socket 1165 included in theextension cord 1163. In FIG. 16B, the fastening device 1404 is extendedfrom the body 1402 is a direction of a distal end of the body. In thisconfiguration, the clamp 1530 is received within the hollow region 1420provided by the fastening device 1404.

FIG. 16B also illustrates an embodiment in which the safety device 1401can be fastened to the clamp 1530. According to the illustratedembodiment, a fastening system is employed including two mechanicalfasteners 1416. Each of the fasteners 1416 is inserted through a hole(for example, the hole 1429) in the fastening device 1404 and thenthreaded into a corresponding hole (for example, the hole 1540) includedin the clamp 1530. The mechanical attachment of the safety device 1401to the power cord 1166 can improve safety by ensuring that the safetydevice 1401 cannot be detached from the power cord 1166 without the useof tools.

While the safety systems illustrated and described herein are employedwith personal safety equipment in the form of safety glasses, accordingto other embodiments, systems can employ the safety systems illustratedand described (safety systems 100, 400, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1100, 1200,1300, 1600) with other forms of personal protective equipment includinggoggles (and other types of eye protection equipment), hardhats, gloves,respirators and articles of clothing (for example, lab coats and flameretardant garments).

Having thus described several aspects of at least one embodiment of thisinvention, it is to be appreciated various alterations, modifications,and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Suchalterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part ofthis disclosure, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope ofthe invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings areby way of example only.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for use with an item of personalprotective equipment, the item of personal protective equipmentincluding a first wireless communication device and a sensor configuredto detect when the personal protective equipment is being worn properlyby a user, the apparatus configured to be housed within a hand-heldbattery-operated power tool that includes a power circuit to supplyelectrical power for operation of the hand-held battery-operated powertool and a removable battery pack, the apparatus comprising: anelectrical isolation device configured to be housed within the removablebattery pack to prevent current flow in at least one conductor includedin the power circuit; and a second wireless communication deviceconfigured to wirelessly couple to the first wireless communicationdevice, wherein the second wireless communication device is configuredto receive a wireless signal transmitted from the first wirelesscommunication device, the wireless signal providing informationconcerning whether the user is wearing the item of personal protectiveequipment properly, wherein the electrical isolation device operates toallow current flow in the at least one conductor when the informationprovided by the wireless signal indicates that the item of personalprotective equipment is being worn properly by the user, and wherein theapparatus is configured to place the electrical isolation device in astate that allows a flow of charging current when the removable batterypack is removed from the hand-held power tool for charging regardless ofwhether the item of personal protective equipment is being worn properlyby the user.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a userinterface configured to provide an indication of an operating state ofthe electrical isolation device, wherein the apparatus is orientedwithin the hand-held battery-operated power tool to allow the userinterface to be viewed by a user operating the hand-heldbattery-operated power tool.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, furthercomprising a processor coupled to each of the electrical isolationdevice, the second wireless communication device and the user interface,wherein the processor is configured to process information provided bythe second wireless communication device to determine whether the itemof personal protective equipment is being worn properly by the user, andwherein the processor is configured to provide a signal to control thestate of the electrical isolation device based on the determination. 4.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured toautomatically place the electrical isolation device in the state thatallows the flow of charging current when the removable battery pack isremoved from the hand-held battery-operated power tool.
 5. The apparatusof claim 1, further comprising a user interface configured to provide anindication of an operating state of the electrical isolation device,wherein the apparatus is oriented within the hand-held battery-operatedpower tool to allow the user interface to be viewed by a user operatingthe hand-held battery-operated power tool.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5,further comprising a processor coupled to each of the electricalisolation device, the second wireless communication device and the userinterface, wherein the processor is configured to process informationprovided by the second wireless communication device to determinewhether the item of personal protective equipment is being worn properlyby the user, and wherein the processor is configured to provide a signalto control the state of the electrical isolation device based on thedetermination.
 7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the removablebattery pack is provided as a retrofit for a battery pack originallysupplied with the hand-held battery-operated power tool.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a user interface including atleast one indicating light configured to indicate: a) when the secondwireless communication device is in wireless communication with thefirst wireless communication device; and b) whether the informationincluded in the wireless signal indicates that the user is wearing theitem of personal protective equipment properly.
 9. A hand heldbattery-operated power tool including the apparatus of claim
 1. 10. Abattery pack including the apparatus of claim
 1. 11. An apparatus foruse with a pair of safety glasses, the safety glasses including a firstwireless communication device and a sensor configured to detect when thepersonal protective equipment is being worn properly by a user, theapparatus configured to be housed within a hand-held battery-operatedpower tool that includes a power circuit to supply electrical power foroperation of the hand-held battery-operated power tool, the apparatuscomprising: an electrical isolation device configured to prevent currentflow in at least one conductor included in the power circuit; a secondwireless communication device configured to wirelessly couple to thefirst wireless communication device to receive a wireless signal thatindicates whether the pair of safety glasses is being worn properly bythe user; and a user interface including at least one indicating lightconfigured to indicate when the second wireless communication device isin wireless communication with the first wireless communication deviceincluded in the safety glasses, wherein the electrical isolation deviceoperates to allow current flow in the at least one conductor when theinformation included in the wireless signal indicates that the pair ofsafety glasses is being worn properly by the user; wherein the apparatusis included in a removable battery pack, and wherein the apparatus isconfigured to place the electrical isolation device in a state thatallows a flow of charging current when the removable battery pack isremoved from the hand-held battery-operated power tool for chargingregardless of whether the safety glasses are being worn properly by theuser.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one indicatinglight is configured to indicate an operating state of the electricalisolation device.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at leastone indicating light includes a plurality of indicating lights includinga first indicating light to indicate when the second wirelesscommunication device is in wireless communication with the firstwireless communication device included in the safety glasses and asecond indicating light to indicate the operating state of theelectrical isolation device.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein theuser interface is included in the battery pack.
 15. The apparatus ofclaim 14, wherein the user interface is oriented within the hand-heldbattery-operated power tool to allow the user interface to be viewed bya user operating the hand-held battery-operated power tool.